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This years Carers Week took place from 8-12 June and as you can imagine was somewhat different to our previous events as all sessions were delivered virtually. Due to COVID-19 people are facing new and difficult challenges and may have had to take on a caring role for the very first time. The Carers Trust Heart of England have offered a variety of virtual sessions to ensure that carers could access support, learn about services in the community and take some time out for themselves to participate in yoga or meditation.
Thank you for all your ongoing care and support that you provide!
This year the Adult Carers teams in Carers Trust Heart of England put on over 15 live ‘virtual’ events for Carers Week. Themed ‘Making Caring Visible’, it did just that with a broad programme of topics that covered everything from highlighting hidden dangers found in the home with some quick fixes to improve safety, to a Compassion Meditation via zoom, led by an industry renowned Coventry University lecturer. There was legal information, Penderel’s trust sessions, TV club, letting go of stress and self-care for carers, lots of virtual chatting, and even some yoga!. They will also be running sessions over the summer to continue to support carers.
A good time was had by all and the Carers Trust Heart of England teams both in Coventry and Warwickshire are excited about next year’s programme which will definitely see a combination of face to face and virtual events given the success of this year. They would welcome feedback to what carers would want them to continue to offer or to introduce, you can let them know at contactus@carerstrusthofe.org.uk . In these uncertain times it is good to be looking forward and planning for better days.
On Wednesday during Carers Week, the Young Carers took over social media. They produced different pieces of work and one young man has written a poem called "Worlds from home"
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Young Carers Services are still operating remotely. We are still taking referrals and providing support and assessments via phone, messaging, zoom, WhatsApp and other popular communication platforms.
We are also running weekly chat sessions using discord on a Monday and Thursday from 1pm -3pm and a zoom session on a Wednesday from 1pm-3pm. To ensure maximum safeguarding of all participants, these sessions are only for registered Young Carers and are invite only. Please message 07428 670040 for more information. We also have fortnightly activity packs and bulletins available on our website.
We also run parent chat sessions via discord a Monday 4:30pm - 5:30pm and Thursday 8:30pm-9:30pm. These are for parents of Young Carers AND parent carers. Again these are invite only. Please message 07885460882 for an invite.
Please visit www.youngcarerscoventry.com for further information and to access our activity packs and bulletins.
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Children's Summer Reading Challenge – Silly Squad
Every year Coventry Libraries run the Summer Reading Challenge, calling for children aged 4 – 11 to sign up to read six books over the summer holiday. This year children can still join a free virtual challenge at www.sillysquad.org.uk.
This year’s theme is ‘Silly Squad’ – a celebration of funny books, happiness and laughter.
To take part in Silly Squad:
- Create a free account at sillysquad.org.uk. It’s a simple process and requires approval by an adult (via email).
- Children taking part in the Challenge this year will be asked to set their own reading goal, but we hope that children will try to read at least 6 books.
- Children can rate and review the books they are reading and there will be videos, quizzes and lots of other downloadable treats to encourage children to meet their reading challenge at home.
- If you don’t want to take part in the Challenge there are still lots of other fun activities on the website for everyone to explore.
Coventry Libraries have a fantastic selection of free children’s e-books and audio books to read at www.coventry.gov.uk/ebooks
Black Lives Matter
Coventry Libraries Service are promoting a new book list for Black Lives Matter, as part of the Discover More Reads book recommendations. These book lists include book reviews, interviews, book awards and more on different subjects, including Black Lives Matter. Find out more about the subject behind the headlines, through this book list here: www.coventry.gov.uk/discovermorereads
Free E-magazines and comics
Coventry Libraries have free to access e-magazines and comics for all ages and interests through our RBDigital service: www.coventry.gov.uk/emagazines
If you are missing your favourite superheroes at the cinema there are plenty of Marvel favourites and more.
You can also download the free RBdigital app from your app store to make finding your next free read even easier!
Health Information Week 6-12 July 2020
As well as the Reading Well self-help books on Mental Health, Long Term Conditions and Dementia, available through our e-book and e-audiobook service: www.coventry.gov.uk/ebooks
There are free health related magazine publications through our RBDigitial service: www.coventry.gov.uk/emagazines
Including: Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, Good Food Eat well, Men's Fitness UK, Women's Fitness, Cycling Fitness and Country Walking.
As well as: Health and Fitness, In the Moment, Psychologies UK, Top Sante UK, Runners World UK, Amateur Gardening, Kitchen Garden, Easy Gardens, Mother & Baby UK, Bikes etc,
Available through our free PressReader e-newspaper service: www.coventry.gov.uk/enewspapers
For more Health and Wellbeing information from Coventry Libraries visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/coronaviruslibraries
If you are not already a member of Coventry Libraries Service, you can join free online: www.coventry.gov.uk/joinalibrary
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Dementia Support needed? – Call Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect
We’ve been receiving lots of calls from carers supporting someone who has dementia – many conversations relating to Covid-19 and its impact as well as the many issues that can arise from living with dementia at any time. Please pass on our Dementia Connect number to anyone you know who needs information and support 0330 150 3456.
We’re also putting on weekly Virtual Singing for the Brain sessions on Zoom for anyone affected by dementia in Coventry and Warwickshire – apparently ‘the best thing in lockdown’. Please email coventry@alzheimers.org.uk leaving your name and phone number and we will be in touch as soon as we can.
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WMFS are trialling new innovative ways of getting their fire safety message across. They can carry out the questions of the safe and well check over the phone, carry out a video call if the occupier is willing and then they can drop off or fit the alarms at a convenient time or allow a relative to fit them in accordance with current guidelines.
They can also attend the property and carry out the safe and well checks at as safe a distance as possible then ask the occupier to stay in another room whilst they fit the alarms.
Make a referral.
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Good Neighbours Coventry continue to offer telephone and penpal befriending to isolated over 50s in Coventry, which includes people with caring responsibilities. If you would like a friendly social chat once or twice a week to take your mind off things, or a pen pal, get in touch by emailing goodneighbourscoventry@hopecoventry.org.uk
Get carer-friendly support today
We know caring can be demanding and leaves little time or energy to take care of your own health and wellbeing. At HLS Coventry, we believe the smallest changes can make a big difference. That’s why we’ve made it easy for carers like you to get FREE 121 coaching support and feel the best you can. Our carer-friendly coaches can support you remotely by phone, text, Zoom or via Best-You - an easy to use digital platform.
You can call us free on 0800 122 3780 or visit www.hlscoventry.org/carers
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A FREE resource pack for carers
You can also download our brand-new wellbeing resource Pack – co-created by carers, for carers. It’s full of quick tips’, carers’ stories and information for you to read from the comfort of your own home!
To download your FREE copy go to: www.hlscoventry.org/carers
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Connect with other carers remotely!
Many carers are using Best-You, the FREE App and Website to connect with other carers on the Best-You ‘Coventry Carers’ Group.
You can share experiences and explore other aspects of your health and wellbeing as and when you need it - at home from your phone, tablet or computer.
Join FREE today at www.best-you.org/covcarers
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Meditation
Compassion can bring a sense of ease to the mind and body. Dr Liz Sparkes will talk about how to bring compassion practices into everyday life and how they support your mind and body to let go. Helping you to feel happier.This will be presented by Dr Liz Sparkes via a zoom session on the 13th of July between 6-7 for carers- contact us for the link: 02476 632972 - option 1
Yoga
COVID 19 has changed our lives and as carers are unable to get out for the exercise or for any leisure activities Yoga and Relaxation sessions are organised for all carers and the people they are caring for. The Sessions take place every Wednesday by Zoom between 11am – 12.30pm and it covers breathing exercises with some light physical movements to relax our joints and muscles by sitting on the chair.
Milan Asian Carers Support Group
Milan Asian Carers Support Group is for Asian Carers to get together and get involved in consultations with Health and Social Care professionals. It also offers training to provide skills & techniques to better support carers in their caring role. We also celebrate various religious festivals throughout the year.
Friday 10 July 2020 11am – 12.30pm Session on Energy Advice from National Energy Advice Team
Friday 24 July 2020 11am – 12.30pm Session content to be confirmed.
If you require any further details for Yoga or the Milan group and for the Zoom link please send an e mail to Varsha Thakrar at the Carers Centre.
Varsha.thkarar@carerstrusthofe.org.uk
CRESS service
“What would a carer do in an emergency” The Carers Trust have produced a question and answer short video detailing the CRESS service.
It’s simple! Just add your email address in the top right hand corner and click GO!
You can also sign up or view previous bulletins from our Carers' website.
If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by contacting us at carers@coventry.gov.uk.
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